Jazz star Lage set for Thai debut
The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej was known for his love of jazz — and his memory will be honoured when one of the world’s best jazz musicians performs in Thailand next weekend.
Julian Lage, a 29-year-old jazz guitarist and composer from the United States, will play at the ninth Thailand International Jazz Conference (TJIC), which is being held from Friday to Sunday at the College of Music at Mahidol University in Bangkok.
If Justin Bieber is the king of pop, Lage is the king of jazz. Besides jazz, he also loves all kinds of music, including bluegrass, rock and roll, folk and experimental improvised music.
Lage told the Bangkok Post Sunday that he began playing guitar because his father played guitar. He started so that he could play with him and loved having a project they could share together.
He was a child prodigy, playing his instrument at the age of five and performing in public a year later. Shortly after, Lage began playing with renowned artists like Carlos Santana (when he was only eight), Pat Metheny, Kenny Werner, Toots Thielemans, Martin Taylor and David Grisman, among others.
His talent saw him become the subject of the 1997 Academy Award-nominated documentary film Jules at Eight.
“People ask me how I became that good at a very young age. I always say I’m not sure I was that good. But I loved to practise,” Lage said.
“I love Jim Hall and he has always been a huge influence and teacher for me. I only played with Carlos Santana that one time live, but it was a blast. We occasionally saw each other again and I feel so grateful for his generosity and for being an inspiration.” In addition to performing, Lage recorded as a duo with Grisman (the 1999 release Dawg Duos) and contributed a fine cover of In a Sentimental Mood with Taylor and Grisman.
Lage has also appeared at numerous jazz concerts/festivals and performed at the 2000 Grammy Awards.
In 2009, Lage released his debut solo album, Sounding Point, on Emarcy. The album was widely celebrated as the arrival of a new and authoritative guitarist.
This was followed by the concept album Gladwell in 2011. He fronted a quintet that featured bassist Jorge Roeder, tenor saxophonist Dan Blake, cellist Aristides Rivas and drummer/percussionist Tupac Mantilla.
The guitarist switched labels for 2013’s
Free Flying. Issued on Palmetto Records, it was recorded in a duet with pianist Fred Hersch.
The duo format apparently agreed with Lage, though its focus shifted a bit. In 2014, he issued two such albums.
The first was Avalon with guitarist Chris Eldridge. Produced by the Milk Carton Kids’ Kenneth Pattengale, it contained bluegrass, folk, jazz and classic pop standards; the pair called it a “love letter to the acoustic guitar”.
Lage’s second 2014 album, Room, with fellow jazz guitarist Nels Cline, was produced by Mack Avenue. Its focus was on a range of material, from intricately composed and complex works to free and spontaneous improvisations.
In 2016, Lage released the trio album
Arclight with bassist Scott Colley and drummer Kenny Wollesen. Produced by Grammy-winning guitarist/songwriter Jesse Harris, the album featured the single Nocturne.
“We are working on a new trio record and I’m excited to bring this new music to Thailand at TIJC 2017,” Lage said.
Lage is looking forward to his first visit to Thailand, especially as he knows about the late king’s contribution to the popularity of jazz in the country.
“I am aware of his love for jazz, which is so wonderful,” he said.
TIJC 2017 will combine jazz and education. While focusing on musical education at multiple conferences over three days, the event is also known for its concerts featuring world-class performers from around the world.